Polysorbate 80 Manufacturer in Seattle - Shop Now

Polysorbate 80, also known as Tween 80, is a versatile and widely used emulsifier and surfactant in the cosmetics industry. Renowned for its ability to stabilize emulsions, solubilize ingredients, and enhance the texture of cosmetic formulations, polysorbate 80 plays a crucial role in a variety of skincare, haircare, and personal care products. 

Manufacturing Process: Polysorbate 80 is synthesized through the ethoxylation of sorbitan monooleate, which is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. This process involves the addition of ethylene oxide to sorbitan monooleate under controlled conditions, resulting in the formation of a polyoxyethylene derivative with emulsifying properties. The resulting polysorbate 80 undergoes purification to remove impurities and ensure product quality before being used in cosmetic formulations.

Benefits:

1. Emulsification: Polysorbate 80 serves as a highly effective emulsifier, facilitating the mixing of water-based and oil-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations. It helps create stable emulsions, preventing phase separation and ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.

2. Solubilization: Polysorbate 80 enhances the solubility of lipophilic (oil-soluble) ingredients in aqueous solutions. It can solubilize essential oils, fragrances, vitamins, and other hydrophobic substances, improving their dispersibility and efficacy in water-based formulations.

3. Texture Enhancement: Polysorbate 80 contributes to the smooth texture and luxurious feel of cosmetic products. It imparts a silky, non-greasy finish to formulations, enhancing their spreadability, absorption, and sensory appeal.

4. Stability: Polysorbate 80 improves the stability of cosmetic formulations by preventing phase separation, coalescence, and crystallization. It helps maintain the integrity and shelf life of products, ensuring consistent quality over time.

Features:

1. Nonionic Surfactant: Polysorbate 80 is classified as a nonionic surfactant, meaning it does not carry a net electrical charge in solution. This property contributes to its compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients and its ability to create stable emulsions.

2. Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): Polysorbate 80 has a relatively high HLB value, making it more hydrophilic than lipophilic. This characteristic allows it to emulsify water-in-oil (W/O) systems effectively, making it suitable for a variety of cosmetic formulations, including creams, lotions, and serums.

3. Versatility: Polysorbate 80 is compatible with various cosmetic ingredients, including oils, waxes, botanical extracts, and active compounds. It can be used in a wide range of formulations, from skincare and haircare products to makeup and personal care items.

4. Mildness: Polysorbate 80 is considered safe and well-tolerated by most skin types. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for use in formulations intended for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Common Uses (% Concentration):

• Skincare Products: Polysorbate 80 is typically used in skincare formulations at concentrations ranging from 1% to 5%, depending on the specific application and desired texture.

• Haircare Products: In haircare products such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, polysorbate 80 may be used at concentrations of 1% to 3% to improve texture and spreadability.

• Cosmetic Formulations: Polysorbate 80 can be found in various cosmetic formulations, including creams, lotions, serums, makeup removers, and facial cleansers, where it enhances stability, texture, and performance.